Books in Bloom 2014

Books in Bloom 2014

This weekend, writers and readers from all over will gather at the legendary Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the Books in Bloom Literary Festival. Every year, this event draws mega-bestselling authors.  Catherine Coulter, James Grippando, Craig Johnson, Nevada Barr, and Dana Stabenow are just some of the famous authors who have been part of this terrific event.  This year we’ll have Elizabeth Berg, Terry Brooks, Kathy Reichs, and a dozen other authors–including me!

Books in Bloom PostcardThe festival is a free event, with free parking. There’s even a shuttle to take you from your car to the hotel (and if you’ve ever climbed the hilly streets of Eureka Springs, you’ll really appreciate that shuttle!) You can see the entire schedule here. In addition to the mega-stars presenting in the Conservatory, authors will read from their works all afternoon in the Reader’s Tent. When not presenting, authors will be available in the gardens to greet fans, answer questions, and autograph copies of their work.

But that’s not all! Writers, in addition to spending the afternoon with kindred spirits, there are two very special treats for you. First, the famous Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow will join the festivities. Come meet the Colony’s director, Linda Caldwell, and learn all about this fabulous writer’s retreat. Residencies and fellowships are available! (Can’t make the actual event? Visit their website to learn more about opportunities for writers.)

writers colony at dairy hollowVillage Writing SchoolAlso at the festival this year is Eureka Springs’ Village Writing School. They’ll run a FREE Story Clinic. Writers, grab your notes and head to the clinic, where you’ll hear advice specific to your story. Stop by their tent or visit their website to sign up for newsletters and other helpful information.

 

Books in Bloom Literary Festival

Books in Bloom 2014

The Books in Bloom Literary Festival is famous for hosting literary stars and emerging authors on the grounds of the Crescent Hotel in historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas in mid-May. This year, I’m honored to be one of those authors!

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Crescent Hotel and many others, plus the dedicated volunteers and staff of the Carroll and Madison [Counties] Library Foundation, this is a FREE event celebrating writers and readers. (There’s even a shuttle service and easy parking!).  Visit with authors, listen to them discuss their work, and take home your own signed copies. The 2013 festival included Catherine Coulter, James Grippando, Craig Johnson, and Anna Loan-Wilsey, just to name a few. (You can see all the 2013 authors here.)  Coming this year:

2014 Books in Bloom Roster (so far): Elizabeth Berg, Terry Brooks, Mark Christ, Steven Foster, Susan Holmes, John Hornor Jacobs, Anne Ream, Kathy Reichs, Kerry Reichs, Kat Robinson, Lothar Schafer, and Michael Shelden.

You can “like” their Facebook page Books in Bloom Literary Festival to get the latest news news about the festival, and bookmark their website www.booksinbloom.org for more information. Author details should be posted to the website by mid-March.

It’s a beautiful time to visit the Ozarks; if you’re in the neighborhood, I hope you’ll come by!